Icon Bricks Are Sterling Silver And Gemstone Lego Like Jewelry & Cuff Links.

above: Icon Brick necklaces are an elegant version of the classic Lego toys

A lot of crafty people (and I mean skilled craftsmen not deceitful or underhanded people) have created jewelry inspired by or made from Lego® blocks. But many of them are either plastic or metal, giving them a novelty and juvenile look and feel.


above: sterling silver Icon cufflinks are the grown-up and upscale version of Legos for men.

The sterling silver Icon collection by jewelry designer Max Steiner is one of the more elegant and tasteful versions of the jewelry homage to the childhood favorite. Available with real gemstones, the sterling silver pieces are fine jewelry with a fun flair.



Available as thick or thin Icon Brick pendants /necklaces, cufflinks and earrings, the Legos aka blox aka bricks are cast in sterling silver and faithful to the classic toy's design in front and back:




The pieces are available in plain sterling silver or inset with emeralds, rubies or black diamonds:




In addition to the actual pieces, the packaging for the necklaces and earrings is a custom hand-crafted and laser engraved Mahogany box:





Shop for them here

Got Your Nose! Belt Buckles, Pendants & Keychains Cast From Your Dog or Cat's Nose In Sterling Silver.

Incredible Things posted these fabulous custom pet pendants cast from the noses of dogs and cats the other day, so I simply had to dig a little deeper. And I'm glad I did or I'd never have discovered handmade jewelry designer Jackie Kaufman and her Rock My World, Inc.

Even better, these unusual pieces are made from "recycled" sterling silver. The jewelry is crafted from a major jewelry firm that no longer sells their items. Jackie "recycles" the silver by taking the jewelry pieces, melting them down and repouring the silver to make new pieces.

Cat Nose:



Dog Nose:


Using the lost wax cast process, Jackie will not only immortalize your beloved pet's nose as a pendant, but also as sterling silver keychains and belt buckles!

Sterling Silver Custom Cast Cat and Dog Nose keychains:


Custom Dog Nose Sterling Silver Belt Buckle:




The backs of the pieces are inscribed with your pet's name:


Jackie creates many forms of fabulous handcast sterling silver jewelry including human fingerprints and more. Be sure to see all her stunning work at her etsy store here.



You can also find some of Jackie's custom cast products at Uncommon Goods and at Daily Grommet

Limited Edition Bent Wood Bracelets & Cuffs By Gustav Reyes

One of the standouts at this year's Smithsonian Craft Show (which ran from April 14-17) was the contemporary jewelry of Gustav Reyes. On the Craft Show website, they only show his rings, but it's his limited edition series of coiled, twisted and knotted wooden bracelets that really appeal to me.

The modern and elegant bracelets and cuffs by the Chicago based woodworker are formed by hand using a cold bend process and finished with natural bee's wax. The Cherry, Walnut, Maple and Rockelm woods can be rejuvenated by simply applying more natural bee's wax. Several of the styles are available in multiple wood options.

Walnut:




Cherry:



Rockelm:


Maple:




above photography by Lauren Bost

Prices range from $120 to $320. Available from Artful Home.

"My training and personal development have led me to believe that humans surpass biological processes by creating. The desire to create is the vehicle by which we, as humans, extend our minds and souls beyond the limits of our physical selves."-- Gustav Reyes

As a young man, Reyes attended the Art Institute of Chicago, where his understanding of art was greatly broadened. He also studied at the Chicago Bauhaus Academy, where he developed an understanding of the finer aspects of woodworking. His formal training and years of dedication to his craft have allowed him to find the point where nature breathes through the form.